Dramatic Vienna Equaliser Seals Austrian World Cup Return
A dramatic late goal from Michael Gregoritsch has secured Austria's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their first appearance at the tournament since 1998. The crucial 1-1 draw against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Vienna saw Ralf Rangnick's side top Group H, finishing two points clear of their opponents.
Bosnia's Early Lead and Austrian Resilience
The match began in concerning fashion for the home side when Haris Tabakovic headed Bosnia into a 12th-minute lead, stunning the Austrian crowd. The forward continued his impressive scoring form, having found the net in each of Bosnia's last three qualifiers. For nearly an hour, Austria pressed for an equaliser, even having a Konrad Laimer goal disallowed after a lengthy VAR review just before half-time.
Bosnia, needing a victory to secure automatic qualification to their second World Cup, defended resolutely throughout the second half. However, with just 13 minutes remaining, Michael Gregoritsch pounced on a Marcel Sabitzer cross that had bounced off the post, firing home powerfully for his 23rd international goal and the most important of his career.
European Giants Secure Their Passage
Elsewhere in European qualification, several other footballing powers booked their tickets to North America. Spain secured their place despite a nervy 2-2 draw with Turkey in Seville. The European champions took an early lead through Dani Olmo but found themselves trailing after goals from Deniz Gul and Salih Ozcan. Mikel Oyarzabal's 62nd-minute equaliser preserved Spain's proud unbeaten home record in qualifiers.
Switzerland qualified despite being held to a 1-1 draw by Kosovo in Pristina. Rubén Vargas had given the Swiss an early second-half lead, but Florent Muslija's superb curling strike ensured a share of the points. The result was enough for Switzerland to top Group B and complete an unbeaten qualifying campaign.
Belgium confirmed their berth in emphatic style, hammering Liechtenstein 7-0. Jérémy Doku and Charles De Ketelaere both scored twice in a dominant display that included four goals in a furious seven-minute spell during the second half. The Red Devils finished their campaign unbeaten and will compete at their 15th World Cup finals.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, along with Turkey and Kosovo, will now enter the European playoffs scheduled for March, where they will have one final chance to qualify for the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.
